The Tampa Bay Rays have reportedly signed the highest free-agent quick cease accessible on a short-term deal this low season, choosing up 29-year outdated Ha-Seong Kim (김하성) one a two-year deal.
Kim is at present recovering from a shoulder surgical procedure that probably slows his begin to the season, however as soon as he arrives ought to get ample enjoying time, notably in opposition to south paws — in opposition to whom he has a profession 122 wRC+.
The 2-year deal is reportedly value $29M deal and consists of an opt-out after 2025, a rarity for a contract in Tampa Bay; nonetheless, ought to the participant be acting at a excessive stage and choose out, and the Rays wish to retain him, they’ll be in place to make a Qualifying Supply, which at a minimal would web the Rays a draft decide if he indicators elsewhere.
Kim will get $13M for 2025 – highest wage on staff – and $16M in ‘26. May earn an extra $2M in incentives in ‘25
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) January 29, 2025
This can be a massive outlay for the Rays, however an inexpensive worth for a veteran who was well-liked amongst gamers and followers in San Diego. For context on the going fee of that contract:
MLBTR predicted Kim for a straight one-year pact with a $12MM assure, although with the caveat he might observe gamers like Rhys Hoskins and Michael Conforto in securing a two-year pact with an opt-out. Hoskins bought $34MM from the Brewers and Conforto $36MM from the Giants.
These are apt comparisons, as Hoskins and Conforto had been each coming back from damage, though each had been prepared by Opening Day. Kim could take some time to return and will battle getting his bat again into form, as Hoskins and Conforto did of their first seasons; neither opted out of their contracts.
Then once more, the Rays aren’t paying Kim for his means to hit. In his 4 seasons with San Diego, Kim has performed 2,500 innings at quick cease, 1,000 innings at second base, and just below 600 innings at third, which inserts the Rays ethos.
A gold glove winner at quick cease in 2023, Kim has averaged 3.5 wins per season from 2022-2024, the place his 10.6 fWAR ranks contained in the Prime-50 gamers in baseball throughout that point, forward of different free brokers like Pete Alonso.
Most significantly, this deal ought to present further protection at quick cease ought to the Rays need to present prime prospect Carson Williams with extra time to develop, because the staff could have three gamers who’re primarily quick stops in Kim, change hitting Taylor Partitions, and the American League’s stolen base chief Jose Caballero.
For extra on Kim, right here’s an awesome breakdown from MLB Community which calls him “one of many higher gamers” in Main League Baseball.
